Conservation slideshow

The League of Legends exhibition includes numerous trophies awarded over many years of the game. To prepare the trophies for public display and to help protect them in the long term, the National Museum's conservation team spent hundreds of hours working on the trophies. Each piece was cleaned and preserved, while the nuances of different materials and makers, and the character of each trophy's history, was retained.

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The Courtney Goodwill Trophy - after

The trophy, ready for display in the League of Legends exhibition. The new shine is evident, though the lustre is varied, to reflect the many different metallic materials used to make the ornamental features. Courtesy Australian and New South Wales Rugby League. Photo: Lannon Harley.

The Winfield Cup

The Winfield Cup, awarded to the premiers of the Australian and New South Wales Rugby League between 1982 and 1995, required minimal conservation treatment. The bronze surface ages gracefully and gains character with extra patina. Conservators simply gave this trophy a light dusting. Courtesy New South Wales Rugby League. Photo: Lannon Harley.

Conserving the Australie-France Trophée - before

National Museum conservator Prue Castles works on the Australie-France Trophée, awarded for matches between Australia and France from 1951 to 1981. Courtesy Australian and New South Wales Rugby League. Photo: Lannon Harley.

Australie-France Trophée - before

This detailed shot of the front of the Australie-France Trophée shows the extent of handling and heavy oxidisation – or tarnishing – over many years. Courtesy Australian and New South Wales Rugby League. Photo: Prue Castles.

Australie-France Trophée - after

The fully-conserved trophy, which was cleaned by hand using soft brushes, microfibre cloths and a mild soap and solvent mix. Conservators were careful to rinse the trophy thoroughly with water after each treatment, to remove any chemical residue. Courtesy Australian and New South Wales Rugby League. Photo: Prue Castles.

The Ashes Cup - before

The Ashes Cup was awarded to the winners of fierce contests between the British Lions and the Australian Kangaroos from 1928 to 2001. Photo: Prue Castles.